With the election just days away...

I don't know about you but I am MORE than ready for this election to be over. I am tired of the emails, news stories, and media crap about all of it - let's just get on with it!

I remember the first election that I got to vote in - I was in college and it was Bush v. Clinton, Clinton won. I went to a small Christian college and all the talk was how Clinton just had to be the anti-Christ and there was wailing at the thought of him making it into office. People were so dramatic over it and I just thought it was silly. That's not to say I was happy that Clinton won, I wasn't, I am a Republican and have yet to meet a Democratic candidate that I'd be willing to vote for, this year included.

Yesterday I got another email, this time saying that Barak was the anti-Christ and trying to scare all that read it. I was reminded of a GREAT post that my friend made a while back regarding the election. I've thought of it several times as I've reflected on the thought that the candidate I don't want to win might actually get elected.

Here it is (hope it's okay if I post this Todd!):

I'm a member of the Republican Party, but I'm not hugely sold on John McCain. And the longer I live and the more I fellowship with persecuted Christians the less I expect our government to "fix" my problems or reflect my beliefs. There are Christians who seem to believe that if the "wrong" candidate wins the election God will be kept from working in our nation for the next four years. My brothers in China and Egypt and other nations have a hard time imagining that belief: their governments are opposed—even violently opposed—to God's work, but He keeps on working. In fact, His family in those nations is growing FASTER than it is here, with our religious freedom and our Christian president.

3 year old + Xyron = 10 feet of craziness

Only a scrapbooker can truly understand my "joy" at finding my 3 year old putting paper into my Xyron 510 sticker maker and using up at least 10 feet of the 18 feet that the cartridge came with.

Serenity now!

My baby girl is SEVEN today!

Today is Morgan's 7th birthday. It is sort of surreal to even type that - where did my baby girl go?? Now she's a fun-loving 1st grader who loves hanging out with her friends and playing with her American Girl doll. She is in Brownies and enjoys going to church. I love seeing her grow up.

Last year I posted her birth story, you can check it out HERE (click "HERE" for link) if you want to.

I love you Morgan!!! Happy 7th Birthday.

My little ladies man

My second born, Drew, is quite enamoured by the ladies it seems. There have been several young (and older) ladies that have drawn his attention in the past several months, and this at the ripe old age of 4.5 years old! We are in SOOOO much trouble!!!

Aside from his Momma, of course, the first young lady that Drew thought was pretty was a girl named Emma who helped out during his VBS this summer, I believe she's in 9th grade now. He came home and gave me a sweet smile, blushed, and acted a little shy when he told me that he thought Emma was pretty and he liked her. I mentioned to her that Drew had a little crush on her (not in front of him, of course, he would have been mortified, he was embarrassed when I mentioned it to his father) and she thought it was cute.

This morning Drew informs me that he's going to marry Madalyn (don't worry Rachel, it's not his cousin Madalyn LOL!). He tells me that she is in his class. When I asked her why he was going to marry her, he got really shy and then told me that he thought she was pretty and that she wasn't a family member, we had a talk a while back about how you don't really marry anyone in your family. He gave me another one of those embarrassed, shy smiles and started laughing (I'd say giggling but isn't that a term to use for girls laughter?). When I picked him up from school today I asked him who Madalyn was and he pointed her out, giving me another shy smile. His teacher noticed and realized immediately why, I'm guessing because she's noticed his crush too.

Tonight he tells me that now he has 2 girlfriends - Madalyn and my neighbors daughter, Maya. Maya is only ONE YEAR OLD!

It seems that my little Drew, with the big brown eyes and handsome smile, is going to be quite the ladies man. I don't remember even noticing the opposite sex in this way until I was much older.

I better always be his best girl!

Great Aunt Cara Lee

Today (Tuesday), the Mueller family said an unexpected good-bye to a strong, faithful, beautiful woman of God. Eric's Great Aunt CaraLee passed away this afternoon leaving behind a husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a huge extended family that loved her so much.

I first met CaraLee about 12 years ago when I came to work for Bartlesville Wesleyan College, now Oklahoma Wesleyan University. She was very active in the church and part of a HUGE family - the Mueller clan. Little did I know that at some point in the near future I was going to be a part of that same family.

During Eric's first year in Bartlesville, he lived with his Aunt CaraLee and Uncle Duane. They were instrumental in his life during a big turning point for him.

During our wedding CaraLee & her sister-in-law, Charlotte, helped prepare our rehearsal dinner, putting together a wonderful meal that all those in town to celebrate with us could attend. I have many pictures of them working so hard to make that night special for us.

Over the years we have been blessed to spend time with Duane and CaraLee. I remember the times that they helped by providing a place to stay, helping us with house purchases (Duane is a builder), and giving lots of Godly advice. I enjoyed hanging out at CaraLee's house, watching her quilt, as we talked.

Duane & CaraLee have been incredible witnesses for the cause of Christ, not only in our lives, but in the lives of countless others. CaraLee was steadfast in her pursuit of Christ and eager to share His love with words and through practical service. I can and have learned much through her example.

She will be missed greatly.

Owen is THREE!

My baby turned THREE today!!! I am not sure where 3 years has gone. We are visiting my family this week and it was special to get to celebrate Owen's birthday, on his actual birthday, with my family. Here's one picture from the day.




Also, last year I posted Owen's Birth Story - you can check it out HERE if you want to read it.

$12,000 in 48 hours...

I know that many of you know Alison & Brad Bynum and their adorable daughter, Norah. God has really blessed them with that little girl and they are preparing to welcome her brother or sister to their family.

They are trusting God to help them raise the $12,000 they need in about 48 hours to aid in the adoption of this new baby.

CAN YOU HELP??????

Please consider it - check out Alison's blog at www.ADOPTIONPHOTOBLOG.com

Pray, pray, pray for this family!